(UN)FOLLOWING THE PACK

Here are 8 trends that are everywhere right now and their less trendy alternatives. Personally, I don't like wearing or having the same fashion that is just everywhere all the time, regardless of how much I might like it.

There are always ways to make a trend your own.

1. Reflective sunglasses -- opt for solid colored, lighter shades instead

2. Excessive arm candy -- keep things minimal, staple pieces will last longer

3. Isabel Marant sandals -- go for a bright sandal that can still work as a neutral

4. Numbered jersey shirts -- leave Sporty Spice looks in the 90's

5. Overly bold brows -- natural is better, try fuller rather than stronger

6. Maxi dresses -- midi dresses! show some of that scandalous ankle

7. Printed trousers -- printed playsuits really are effortless, but look far more interesting & put together

8. Ombre hair -- instead, go for all over dimension!

All images via Pinterest

REVIEW: COVERGIRL LASH EXACT WATERPROOF MASCARA

It's been a long time since I posted here. I'll spare the boring details of how work or play stole my attention and dive right into this review.

TEXTURES: SUNDAY

Today is about textures, light, and shapes.

I'm spending the afternoon reading and being a lifeless body with my cat.

via Pinterest

TODAY'S BREAKFAST

For some very strange reason, I like to photograph toast.

This was my breakfast today.

| mozzarella with seasoning salute & berry preserves |

SUMMER BOOK CLUB

Here is my summer reading list for this year. As you can see, I'm going on a bit of an Edith Wharton kick. Also, I included Gwyneth Paltrow's new book because lately I've needed some fresh ideas on easy recipes, and I know her's will be healthy versions. My "book club" has a noticeable concept, at least I think so. I didn't even realize it, but as I was browsing Amazon, I tried to search for books that aren't nighttime books, if that makes sense. Some books, in my opinion, you just can't read in the morning or daytime because it would conflict with the story's vision. Novels that are primarily romance, or involving travel, I tend to enjoy in the daylight on my bed or couch. It let's my imagination thrive a bit more because of the outside sounds and smells.

| Summer |  Edith Wharton

| Paris: The Novel | Edward Rutherfurd

| Beautiful Ruins | Jess Walter

| The House of Mirth | Edith Wharton

| It's All Good: Delicious, Easy, Recipes That Will

Make You Look Good and Feel Great | Gwyenth Paltrow

All images via Amazon.com

LISTENING

Loving Sam Cooke, Youth Lagoon, Leonard Cohen, Balmorhea, Lana Del Rey, Lykke Li, St. Vincent, The Carpenters, and Nat King Cole this month.

CURRENT DESIGN INSPO: MINIMAL JEWELRY

Soon I'll be starting to create pieces for my Etsy shop, kkachi. I'm not a big jewelry wearer as I prefer the more minimalist approach. These are some pieces I like and I think they're simple, but not boring. While bib necklaces and obnoxiously overwhelming "arm candy" look great on some people, I really think pieces that accent the total look tend to be more flattering than one single statement piece.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE DAY: CARA

Currently absolutely loving this photo of Cara Delevingne.

via Pinterest

SUNDAY FAVORITE: BEAUTY PRODUCT

Today I decided I'd share with you a product I've been using since around December. It's the bareMinerals Round The Clock waterproof eyeliner in Midnight that my mother gave me from her holiday gift set. Basically, it's a gel liner in pencil form. This is, by far, the best long wearing liner I've ever tried. I wear it on my upper water line every single day, for about 12 hours, and it never moves. I'm sure it would probably last all night. With that being said, it is very easily removed with make-up remover, which is such a blessing. I use Pond's Cold Cream to remove my make-up, and I've never had an issue with removing it.

This product retails for $15.00, which I personally believe is accurately priced for the quality! Also, I love the packaging. The matte finish on the pencil's body in contrast with the lid & base is really nice. (It's so smooth when sharpening too!)

Above: I swatched this with such a gentle & light stroke, and the intensity pay off is amazing.

Below: I waited 30 seconds to test the smudge range and I was actually shocked at how quickly it dried. You can see I barely had any smudging until the very tail end of the swatch. Absolutely brilliant.

Holy grail waterproof eyeliner!

LIGHTER HUES

The days are slowly brightening and regaining breaths in familiar streaks of the sunlight.

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I'm lying in a sea of blankets, tossed about in a half-lit room on a rainy Chicago morning. I'm thinking of the spring that's barely here and the summer soon to follow.

Images via Etsy & Pinterest

SLEEP

This is what my morning looks like

SHOP: NEW ITEMS ON KKACHI

I just listed this item in my shop, along with others! They're beautiful, mustard colored Evan Picone heels in perfect condition. Not too tall, not too stubby. I think they'd go perfectly with a clean, button up shirt or flared skirt for spring.

Images via Etsy & Pinterest

ETSY ENVY: PERPETUAL ONE

Just browsing Etsy and admiring these lovely things by PerpetualOne.

TOTAL LOOK: LIGHT SPRING

Spring is in full effect over at Steven Alan. The sandals are from Pinterest- but SA's got pages of shoes to choose from. Although I'm still in the middle of 30 degree weather and possible winter storms looming, I'm already planning outfits in my head. Combinations of light greys, taupes, and browns mixed with some bright corals, yellows, and emeralds are circling my mind. 

Images via Steven Alan & Pinterest

SHOP: NEW ITEMS ON KKACHI

My etsy shop, kkachi, has some new items I'd like to share on here! These lovely star things are actually knitted pot holders! They're clearly not your average pot holder, which is why I love them. The colors are beautiful.

If you need something to fill in a small space on wall or bookshelf, or you simply love strawberries & muslin, here's a hand stitched frame of the two!

All images via kkachi on Etsy

COLLECTION ENVY

I'm loving every detail of this collection down to the simplistic, pointed skimmers and the subtle contrast in similar colors. I wish every piece and accessory could be in my possession right now. 

All images via Style.com

Want this look?

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MY SIMPLE SKINCARE

My philosophy: skincare should be easy. Nobody wants to go through a dozen or more steps of rubbing things on their face before bed - as well as when they wake up. The simpler, the better. Plus, I, personally, believe that the more complicated you make it, the worse it might be. Skin is sensitive. It doesn't matter if it's oily, dry, or combination - it's skin. If it doesn't like something, it will be agitated. Layering on multiple products is just layering on more and more chemicals. My suggestion: keep it down to 2 or 3. Your products will work more efficiently and if something doesn't work, you'll most likely know what it is right away!

My skin: dehydrated

I very rarely have a breakout, but my skin is very dry. During summer it's not as dry, but I still feel that tightness after cleansing my face, before applying moisturizer. I use Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub because it's so gentle, deeply cleanses, and doesn't irritate my skin. It's gentle enough to use every night - especially to rid any dry skin patches! I use Cetaphil's Moisturizing Cream as a facial moisturizer, although I think it's used for body as well. It's thick enough to quench my skin's thirst, but not leave it feeling greasy!

These products are also extremely affordable. Especially the Cetaphil cream - it lasts for so long! The cream has no scent - which can sometimes agitate very sensitive skins - so that is a huge plus! The Aveeno has a very light, sweet scent that is refreshing and really pleasant in the shower.

Overall: These are currently my only skincare products and they're working beautifully. Keep it simple & easy. Allow your skin to be naturally healthy rather than soaked up with product.

Oh yeah, and drink lots of water.

// my current brow routine - click here //

FAVOURITES: BREAKFAST

My favourite time of the day and favourite meal any time of the day is breakfast. Sleepiness overcome by hunger, and the fresh brew that perfumes the entire house - these moments are almost poetic. There's nothing poetic about lunch. 

Photos of breakfast are always so romantic, even if it's just pouring creme into your espresso. There's a harmony about it - a gratification. When I wake up, the first thing I feel is tiredness and hunger. The first bite of something you eat for the day is a satisfaction I can't simply explain. Or perhaps I just really love toast.

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NEED & WANT: LINENS

I've decided to call my design concept posts "Needs & Wants" for two reasons. The need because I typically produce an idea or design for the sake of my own cravings. It may be a bit on the selfish side, but designing for yourself comes naturally- every writer has a diary, don't they? The want because after I get these design spurs, I typically lust after them and photos of inspiration for many, many weeks. As of late, I've been constantly thinking about nothing else but linen. Linen tanks, blouses, shorts, dresses, etc. Like most Midwesterners, this is about the time I long for summer and those balmy nights. Every season I search for pieces that are easy, and simple. This year, I've decided to take on the challenge of making them. Delicate pieces easily slipped in and out of, marrying the space between body and air.

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BACK TO DETAILS

Recently I've been seeing these dresses all over my Pinterest. Cutouts aren't anything new these days, but I think having interesting back details can make a dress so subtly beautiful and unique. This style was once off putting to me because I just didn't really like "strappy" things. Now, I feel like there are so many new styles out there that remain, I hate to use the most overused word in the fashion dictionary, but "classy" rather than tacky, like the $6.99 jersey knit dress picked up at your local __-Mart. 

Images via Style.com & Pinterest